Bicycling - day 1

Back at Can Massa by 3, after a grueling 32 km, with very hot sun and unfortunately-frequent hills, especially toward the end.

The final 4km, returning to La Pera were, thankfully, downhill. Karen went immediately to lie down, in our darkened room.

The route took us thru autumnal countryside - little villages and harvested fields, along minor roads. There was one long stretch of dirt/gravel where, of course, I had a flat.

It was easy to fix and get moving again. I especially wanted to take a photo of one teeny town we passed, Matajudaico (translation: the killing of the Jews). It was pretty peaceful there today - other days, not so much.

We stopped for a short break in Cruillers, at the base of the silent 11th century tower, before cycling on to Monells, where we had some cold drinks in the charming old square.

By now it was getting pretty warm and our energy was fading. The stretch from Monells to Madremanya was brutal.

Tomorrow, the route is only 24km, and should be much less hilly. If not, we're doomed.